With the holidays behind us, we’re all getting back to normal. Buying, wrapping and sharing gifts only appear like a distance memory as we look forward to a new year.
But, as you take a look back, did the writer in your life raise an eyebrow over the holiday gift you presented?
Like anyone else, finding that perfect gift has its difficulties. And, unless the storyteller friend or family member in your inner circle slipped a handy wish list into your date book, it’s possible you’d never know what to give without catching a twinge of disappointment in their face.
But, writers in any genre crave the comforts that enhance their creativity to produce free flowing content from their fingertips.
Recently, I sat down to plan my writing schedule for 2012 and it turned into the ultimate wish list for a headache-free writing life. Though, it started as my personal desires, I can't think of a reason why other writers wouldn't share similar hopes.
In this post, the top ten things on a writer’s holiday wish list begin with the least important to the greatest. Of course, other writers may have their own cherished order of importance, but I think we'd all agree with number one.
And, don't feel bad if a few items sound too far-fetched and beyond your control...they are wishes.
#10 Notebooks and pens
In this post, the top ten things on a writer’s holiday wish list begin with the least important to the greatest. Of course, other writers may have their own cherished order of importance, but I think we'd all agree with number one.
And, don't feel bad if a few items sound too far-fetched and beyond your control...they are wishes.
#10 Notebooks and pens
Creativity is fickle. Grabbing ideas at a moment’s notice means the difference between struggling over a character’s lines and producing a gripping chapter for a novel.
When inspiration strikes, a writer can never have enough paper and writing instruments to jot down ideas as they form. Not sure how many to get? Be sure there's plenty to add for their desk, to leave in their car or stick in a laptop bag.
When inspiration strikes, a writer can never have enough paper and writing instruments to jot down ideas as they form. Not sure how many to get? Be sure there's plenty to add for their desk, to leave in their car or stick in a laptop bag.
#9 Unlimited laptop battery power
Have you ever opened your laptop miles away from your office to discover the warning message indicates a few minutes of battery power remains? It's not a problem unless you forgot to bring the power cord.
If a laptop exists with unlimited battery power, how and where do I order one?
#8 Ergonomic chair
Long writing sessions in a chair without proper back support means trouble for writers. An ergonomically-correct chair helps alleviate discomfort from sitting for extended time periods while reducing wrist strain and leg cramps.
Like other writers, I prefer writing in different locations for no longer than two hours. But, if your writer likes to stay put, a comfortable chair could work wonders for their productivity.
#7 Personal editor/proofreader
An editor is a writer’s best friend, like a dog is man’s best friend. (Not that I’m comparing an editor to a dog.) But, you know what I’m saying.
This best friend makes the writer look professional. After several hours of forming words into sentences, it's easy to get cross-eyed and make mistakes. Editors and proofreaders act like a writer's second pair of eyes tightening the weak grammar and spelling errors.
Whether you pay a proofreader, or you take the time to do it yourself…it's a generous gift.
#6 Automatic data backup
Computers die every day. Imagine losing all your hard work to a fussy or dying computer? Writers producing regular content must have back up support to avoid doing extra work. And, we all know time lost to catch up on loss data equals less earning potential.
Automatic backup systems get writers out of trouble when they’re overwhelmed and forget to do it manually.
#5 Free time without interruption
I debated about whether this should be number one. But, it should go without saying that writers need uninterrupted concentration to produce ideas and form logical sentences.
Taking over household chores or watching kids for a couple of hours give busy writers the power to crank out more work without the pressure of constant distractions.
#4 Unlimited storage/bookcases
With the writing and research involved in crafting original content, writers are known to collect notebooks and reference books.
It’s not uncommon to find books or CD/DVDs filled to maximum capacity with ideas and stories. So,when the stacks grow at an overwhelming pace, additional storage space starts to look appealing.
It’s not uncommon to find books or CD/DVDs filled to maximum capacity with ideas and stories. So,when the stacks grow at an overwhelming pace, additional storage space starts to look appealing.
#3 Energy booster
Got caffeine? In this case, the Starbucks gift card may come in handy, but a stock of caffeinated drinks in cupboard offer immediate gratification when ideas need a quick jumpstart.
Is caffeine a “no-no”? Give your writer a gift basket filled with mind-boosting, vitamin-rich super foods like chocolate, blueberries, nuts or omega-3 rich fish.
#2 Hand masseuse
Love those “money makers”(or "hobby makers"). If the writer in your life creates content on a full-time basis, their hands, fingers and wrists run the risk of stiffness.
Do them a favor. Take five minutes to offer a good hand and wrist massage. It boosts circulation giving tender loving care to weary hands from typing or handwriting for hours.
#1 Guaranteed publishing
You had to know this would be number one. What serious writer doesn't dream about being published once, twice or several times?
If you had the power to grant this wish, I know several writers who'd like to be your friend this year.
What did you get your writer for the holidays? Or, if you’re a writer…what would you include on the wish list?
Photo credit: Piotr Brichacek/acobox.com
